Nero d'Avola Duca di Salaparuta 2023

Nero d'Avola from the historic Duca di Salaparuta winery represents afresh and juicy interpretation of Sicily's best-known black grape variety. Known in the 19th century as Calabrese, Nero d'Avola is the second most popular variety after Catarratto. Although its original name may be misleading, this grape has nothing to do with Calabria as the appellation derives from the Sicilian dialect term 'calavrisi', meaning 'grape of Avola'. In fact, it seems that the origin of this variety corresponds to the area of Avola, in the province of Syracuse, from where the vine then spread throughout the island. This interpretation of the Duca di Salaparuta estate is also part of the 'Autentici di Sicilia' collection, launched in 2024 with labels based on the work 'Paesaggio dell'Aspra' by the well-known Sicilian painter Renato Guttuso.

Duca di Salaparuta Nero d'Avola is a pure expression of the variety of the same name grown in the Mediterranean climate of Sicily at altitudes between 50 and 300 metres above sea level. After harvesting in September, the grapes are destemmed and then lightly crushed. The ensuing alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 24-28 °C, accompanied by approximately 15 days of maceration on the skins. This is followed by racking and then complete malolactic fermentation before the approximately 3-month maturation phase, which also takes place in stainless steel.

The Nero d'Avola from the Sicilian company Duca di Salaparuta has a dark ruby red colour with violet hues. The nose has intense fruity hints of cherry, plum and blackcurrant that give a dark dimension to the aromatic context. Decisive and juicy on the palate, with excellent freshness contributing to the drinkable character of this wine.